‘you’ll be glad you chose Summit’,
and to achieve that, every Summit team member aims to provide a real estate service that is second to none. We value relationships. We have maintained a close connection with our community since our first day of operation. Summit has grown with the region through numerous events, sports, cultural and other community-based initiatives, including 5 years as principal sponsor of the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. While we source an ever-increasing percentage of inquiries from our high-profile, web-based marketing, the vast majority of business is still completed face-to-face with our clients and salespeople.
Summit maintains a simple strategy; we provide our salespeople with the best resources, marketing, training, technology, and management support to achieve the best result possible for every client. Built on a solid foundation of many years of ethical trading, Summit is a member of the NZ Realtors Network - the most successful group of Real Estate companies in New Zealand. Summit has unique advantages; salespeople enjoy the benefits of working in a progressive multi-office environment, no franchise fees sent out of town, and the region’s largest real estate agency.
1992
Established Office at
526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke
2001
Opened Commercial Office
Nelson
2002
Opened Motueka
102 High Street
2006
New Stoke Office opens
506 Main Road Stoke
2009
Opened Summit House Nelson
60 Rutherford Street
2010
Opened Picton Office
56 High Street
2013
New Richmond Office opens
203 Queen Street
2019
New Blenheim Office opens
30 Alfred Street
2026
Property Management Richmond Office Expansion
201-203 Queen Street
Summit understand what makes the Top of the South Island unique, from the majestic bays of the Sounds, the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman, to the vibrant communities of our provincial towns.
Our real difference is our culture and people. Summit’s success is the results of the many outstanding people who have joined us. We have the largest team of qualified, experienced real estate specialists, and we’re well equipped to deal with all facets of real estate. Our commitment to providing unparalleled service and working as a team makes Summit the region’s most preferred real estate agency by far.
It’s the support from our local community that we gratefully acknowledge when looking at Summit’s achievements to date and our current position as market leaders. We show our gratitude in very real ways, giving back to our local community.
In today's market, where buyers are more conscious of money than ever before, I believe pricing a property has become increasingly important. Modern buyers are doing extensive re-search before they even step through the front door. They are comparing properties online, assessing value and carefully considering their budgets. With higher living costs and tighter lending conditions, purchasers are protecting their money and focusing their attention on homes that clearly fit within their price range.
When a property is marketed without a price, there is a risk that buyers simply move on. Many prospective purchasers set search parameters online and prefer to know immediately whether a property is within their reach. If they can't quickly determine value, they may choose not to enquire at all.
A well-considered price provides transparency and gives buyers confidence to engage. Rather than creating a barrier, a realistic price can encourage more inspections, more conversations, and ultimately more competition. It helps buyers emotionally connect with a property because they can immediately see a pathway to ownership.
Of course, pricing is not about underselling a home. It is about positioning it correctly within the current market. A professional appraisal considers recent sales, market conditions, buyer behaviour and the unique features of the property to determine a pricing strategy that maximises interest.
The reality is that buyers dictate the market. In a climate where every dollar is scrutinised, providing clear pricing can be the difference between attracting strong enquiry and being overlooked.
The properties generating the best results today are often those that offer buyers certainty, value, and a clear understanding of where they stand from day one.
Article by;
Rob Ilott
Picton Branch Manager
027 345 2806
[email protected]
The latest REINZ Monthly Property Report, shows the property market across Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough continues to track steadily, with buyer caution and longer selling periods remaining key themes.
Data compared to April 2025 highlights a market that remains active, particularly among first-home buyers, while higher-end market activity has softened due to reduced movement in the lower to mid-range sectors.
Across the region, the median days to sell increased to 39 days, sitting slightly above the 10-year April average of 37 days.
Median prices across the Top of the South saw year-on-year decreases:
Nelson median price decreased 6.7% to $695,000Marlborough median price decreased 2.3% to $635,000Tasman median price decreased 8.1% to $781,000Local salespeople reporting that most vendors entered the market with realistic expectations around pricing and competition. Open home attendance remained steady, driven largely by local owner-occupiers and first-home buyers.
Auction activity produced mixed results; however, properties not sold under the hammer were often placed under conditional contract shortly afterwards, showing continued buyer engagement despite more cautious decision-making.
Market sentiment continues to be influenced by longer days to sell, fewer listings and ongoing discussion around interest rates. As the cooler months approach and election year uncertainty builds, industry professionals are not anticipating any significant uplift in activity in the short term.
For buyers, current conditions continue to provide more choice and time to make informed decisions. For sellers, presentation, pricing and strong marketing remain critical in achieving successful outcomes in today’s market.
Source: REINZ Monthly Property Report, Published May 2026. Data compared to April 2025.
For property owners considering their next move, understanding where your property sits in today’s market is more important than ever.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation appraisal with one of our local property experts.
Market Reports
Summit recently celebrated its 34th Annual Summit Awards alongside the annual Summit Conference at the Rutherford Hotel, bringing together staff from across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough for a memorable evening of recognition and connection.
The theme running throughout both events focused on the idea that excellence in real estate does not happen by accident. It is built through daily habits, intentional action, teamwork, and a commitment to continually improving the service we provide to our clients and communities.
The evening recognised outstanding achievements across sales, property management, administration, and support services, while also celebrating long-serving team members whose dedication has helped shape Summit over many years.
A huge congratulations to all award winners and long service recipients. Your consistency, professionalism, and commitment to continual improvement truly represent the values that make Summit what it is today.
Summit would also like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our sales consultants, property managers, realty services teams, mortgage and insurance advisers, and administration staff across the region. Our success is built on strong teamwork and the depth of local experience we are fortunate to have throughout the organisation. Having experienced professionals and mentors available locally allows our teams to collaborate, share knowledge, and ultimately achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
As a locally owned and independent business, Summit is proud that choosing Summit means supporting local people, local businesses, and reinvesting directly back into the communities we all call home.
2026 Summit Award WinnersAWARDS CATEGORY
RECIPIENT(S)
10 Years’ Service Awards
Emma Barton
Tori Nalder
25 Years’ Service Awards
Diane Taylor
Dwayne Lohmann
Summit Rookies
Brian Sangster & Steph Monopoli
Runner Up Property Manager
Avei Douglas
Top Property Manager of the Year
Fiona Harris
Top Property Management Office
Marlborough Property Management Team
Sales Top Office
Richmond Office
Real Estate Excellence Award
Emma McCashin
Summit Champions 2025/2026
1st Glyn Delany
2nd Emma McCashin
3rd Michelle Westrupp
4th Callum Gilchrist
5th Liam Boshoff
6th Dwayne Lohmann
Excellence, experience, and community - that’s the Summit difference.
Find out more on the People who make the Difference
Opened at 526 Main Road Stoke, Stoke in 1992
Our first issue of the Summit Weekly published in September 2004, this has become an integral part of establishing Summit as the region's most preferred real estate agency.
Across the Top of the South and every corner of our region, our salespeople are renowned for providing exceptional service because our clients deserve nothing less.
Managing thousands of rental properties throughout the top of the South, the region's trusted name in property management saves you time and money, so you can make the most of yours.
With a team of over 100 strong in 6 locations throughout the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough a friendly Summit branch is likely not too far from where you are.